Knitting to Fit – A Tassel Cap

Cap is knit in alternating bands of garter stitch and stockinette stitch. For a striped cap, change colors as you change patterns.

Size:Instructions are for average adult head size, 21 to 22 inches. To make cap larger or smaller, cast on the number of stitches which, based on the gauge, will give the proper size. Adjust all other
references to number of stitches accordingly.Note: Because cap should fit comfortably snug, make it smaller than actual head measurement to allow for the natural elasticity of the knit.

Gauge:5 1/2 sts = 1 in; 11 sts = 2 ins; 7 rows = 1 in; in stockinette st.
Knit stitches are shorter and wider than purl stitches. Garter stitch, which is all knit stitches, has greater elasticity and requires fewer stitches than stockinette stitch. When you combine the two, always keep the garter stitch where you need the most horizontal stretch—at the beginning of a cap, the bottom edge of a sweater.

Cap (Figure A):Cast on 79 sts, keeping this cast-on edge loose enough to stretch to the actual head
measurement. Work in g st (K every row) for 16 rows (8 ridges).
Next row: K across, inc 26 sts evenly across row (inc 1 st in every 3rd st, K last st) for a total
of 105 sts.
Work in st st (K 1 row, P 1 row) for 12 rows.
Work in g st for 12 rows (6 ridges).
1st dec row: (K 3, K 2 tog), rep across row.
Work in st st for 11 more rows.
Work in g st for 12 rows (6 ridges).
2nd dec row: (K2, K2tog), rep across row.
Work in st st for 11 more rows.
3rd dec row: (K 2 tog), rep across row.
Finishing: Break yarn, leaving an end about 14 inches long. With yarn needle, draw this yarn end through stitches on knitting needle and gather together. Fasten, and weave back seam from top to bottom with the same end.

Tassel:Wind yarn around cardboard to desired thickness. Cut through one side of loops; tie other side together for center of tassel (photographs 4, 5 and 6).
Trim any uneven ends and fluff into shape. Sew to top of cap.